Melody of Mana 3: A Progression Fantasy

By Wandering Agent

Teenage mage Alana navigates politics, family drama, and graduation in the third installment of an inventive, romantic, and fun progression-fantasy series.
 
Ever since Alana was reborn in the Kingdom of Bergond, her life has been a series of adventures and surprises. But waking up to discover the kingdom has been conquered, her school has been destroyed, and her parents are back in her life might be the biggest shock yet.
 
Now that Lord Durin is in charge, everything's more complicated. For one thing, Alana's father is Durin's right-hand man, which means the teen must contend with courtly manners, stuffy traditions, and noble obligations, though she'd rather be practicing how to create portals and fight monsters. For another, Durin's rule is still tenuous, leaving him and all who support him open to attack. And as if that weren't enough, Alana must find time to protect her friends, salvage her relationship, and keep up with her studies enough to actually graduate.
 
Brilliantly combining traditional and progression fantasy with elements of romance, humor, dark academia, and action-adventure, Melody of Mana 3 is an irresistible addition to any genre fan's collection.
 
The third volume of the hit progression-fantasy series—with more than two million views on Royal Road—now available on Audible and wherever ebooks are sold! 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Podium Publishing
• Release date: Mar 28, 2023
• ISBN: 9781039419537

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

✦

CATCHING UP

Iwas quickly moved to the headquarters for Dad’s army. It was a large governmental building they’d taken over some time ago. They’d chosen this one because of the nearby prison (for captured soldiers, mages, etc.), the thick walls, and the ready-made offices. I, of course, didn’t get to see much of it, due to the fact that I was rushed in, taken to an office, sat down, and given a list of places and names to memorize by Mystien.

His safehouse and contact list was about a page long, and Dad told me, in no uncertain terms, that I wouldn’t be allowed to leave until I could recite the whole thing backward. I later learned that this was an exercise that I’d be doing for several weeks, so that I wouldn’t ever forget where to go if things ever hit the fan again.

Please tell me you’re not actually going to make this a daily thing, I said when Dad finally returned to test me late that evening.

It’s in case you ever run away again, and yes, I am.

"I did not run away, I was kidnapped," I retorted.

You were, and you smartly made it to a nearby, safe location. From which you ran away halfway across the country to stay with a bartender you’d never met.

Well, when you put it like that it sounds stupid.

It sure does, and so you will be given to memorize a list of places to go and people to see should things ever go wrong again.

Fine, not like there’s too much else for me to do right now anyway. The academy is shut down, you don’t want me out and in the town, and you and John are both busy out of your minds.

You could spin. You love spinning.

I loved spinning when I was six, Dad, and most of that was spending time with people while doing it.

He gave me a very sad look. It’s been too long, far, far too long. I’m sorry that I had to leave, and even more so for all that happened afterward.

Now it was my turn to feel bad. You didn’t have much of a choice from what I understand, and I’m not even mad that you didn’t tell me where you were going. I know that I was too young then and you couldn’t trust me, but what happened to the village wasn’t your fault. That all lies squarely at the feet of Lord Hazelwood.

Lay squarely, he’s dead.

Did you … ?

Yes. You don’t need more details than that. I don’t want you to have nightmares.

Oh, Dad, nightmares are my normal state. I saw the town slowly starve while I tried my hardest and failed to stop it. I gutted Malke. I was kidnapped, threatened, fought a massive iron golem and a mana eater. I was hit with a lightning bomb and left barely able to move in a field. I … I saw Rod … after what they did to him. Good dreams are a rare gift for me, and knowing that you skinned that bastard or something wouldn’t bother me a bit.

He sat down near me, finding one of the office chairs. Alana, that shouldn’t have happened. I wanted you and your brothers to have a peaceful life, not … not the one you’ve had.

I rose, heading over to him and kissing his cheek. Things happen, Dad; it’s not your fault. Now, can we go get some food? I’ve been in here all day.

That sounds good actually; let’s go. Also, where in the world did you run into a mana eater or an iron golem for that matter?

As we rose and moved to the door, I looked at him. Do you want the story of how I met the crown prince first? Or the one where I was at a party that turned into a bloodbath?

Alana, do me a favor.

Hmm?

Don’t dump all of this on your mother at once. Who knows how she’ll react?

I think I’m going to gloss over the worst parts. She is a bit prone to overreacting. Anyway, since you didn’t answer … It all started after we went to see the exams for the academy …

I slept in late the next morning, not realizing how much I missed that luxury that students seldom got. When I woke up in the room assigned to me, I found that it was still a bit depressingly empty. I didn’t have many of my meager possessions on me, and those I did were mostly functional.

There was a bowl of fruit for breakfast, along with some bread and water. It was plain, but good, and that was something that I missed a bit as well. Not everything had to be formal, my hair didn’t need to be put up in braids, and I didn’t need lots of layers that I couldn’t hope to put on without either help or magic. It was relaxed. Well, there was a guard just outside the door who informed me, The general said to stay here and memorize your list, but I could live with that.

Mystien came by around noon.

All right, Alana, the reports about you from your teachers say that you had an unusual magic item. There are perhaps other things too?

Um? The lamp?

Indeed, let’s see it. I shrugged and brought over my lamp, which was still hovering around a full charge. What’s it do? Mystien asked as he gave it the same odd look everyone did when they first saw it.

It’s a lamp.

What’s it actually do?

It’s a lamp.

Seriously?

Yup.

Why does it feel … sort of too right?

I’m not completely sure on that.

Best guess.

Three-point-one-four-one-five-nine-two-six-five-three-five-nine, I sang. Translating the song was a bit clunky, but it still kind of worked.

I … Is that pi!? Interestingly pi was pronounced the same here. I suspected that some, or many, other people from Earth had seen to that.

Well, some of it. Pi isn’t really a number that you can just say … I think? Regardless, that is way more accurate than what everyone normally uses. I think that’s why it looks … wonky, or part of it at least. I was also humming when I made the thing, so there may be some bardic nonsense going on too. I knew for a fact that pi was irrational, but there was no reason to go into detail there, or to tell him I knew a hundred digits of it.

Okay … very well. That is something I’ll want to experiment with later, but for now let’s go over the spells you can do.

I spent the next hour or so going through most of the variations of what I could do for him, and giving basic, if not completely accurate explanations.

I see why the capture team had a hard time with you. Lucien taught you illusions, I’m guessing? At my nod, he continued. The fire and lightning are particularly impressive. Most bards never manage something like either of those. I’m also personally amused by the sugar spell, not because it’s magically impressive or anything, but rather that you spent that much time and mana learning to make sweets.

Sweets are important! What can a girl do if she cannot bake cakes or make her tea tasty? The best parts of life are enjoying sweet things. I raised my fist in an overly dramatic pose. Long live sweets!

The old man groaned, tossing a ball of cold water at me with a lazy flick. Try to take this seriously.

As I dried myself, I glared at him. You’re still a grumpy old fart.

And you’re still childish.

Being childish is an art form, Mystien. You should engage in it more often. It’s fun.

I’m well aware, but there’s a time for everything.

Fair enough, anything else? I’d shown him my spells now. I was a bit surprised that he hadn’t asked about the sky-metal. But if he wasn’t asking, I wasn’t volunteering it; when I got used to things and knew everyone was on the up-and-up, perhaps.

How exactly did you manage to keep casting after the capture team silenced you?

Oh, I cast through dance.

Interesting. I knew there were elves who did that sometimes. Did you discover that on your own?

What? No, I’ve been taking Atali Dance at the academy for like a year.

Oh. When your father sees you doing that, I’m sure he’ll be … surprised. He barely held back his laugh. I don’t know if he’s ever seen Elven dances before. I wonder what he’ll say.

I leaned in close. Yes, good, embrace the laughter. Eventually, he gave in.

I was informed that Mom was somewhere safe and would be told of my rescue as quickly as possible. Messengers had been dispatched, but they were notoriously slow, particularly now, as the snow had finally begun to fall in earnest.

I was locked up and mostly bored for about a week. I’d spent my time alone working on my core for the most part and doing some self-assigned work on item creation, all theoretical, in the last part, but it was fun. I spent my afternoons doing some dance practice, good for if I got silenced again and excellent exercise. The fact that my dad was never around in the afternoons may have had something to do with the time slot. I’d also taken to wearing my earpiece as a decoration, hoping for some information on Dras.

As I came out of my evening session of core improvement, I heard a noise in my ear.

How should I know? She just said to use this thing if it got bad and to try and be outside … No, I don’t know what it does, no, no. Yes, I did try it when we evacuated, but nothing happened. Just relax, I’ll only be a …

Who’s there?

Alana? Where are you? Are you invisible again?

No, it’s the earpiece. Who am I talking to?

Oh, sorry. Yeah, it’s me, Dras. You haven’t forgotten me, have you? His voice on the last bit was a bit cheeky.

No, you idiot. I was just slammed for a few days there. I’m glad you’re okay. What’s the news?

Yeah … yeah, I understand. We need help, Alana. It looks like the palace fell a few days ago and the city is overrun with soldiers. Are you still in the city?

Um … yeah, so … This was going to be an awkward conversation; there was no doubt in my mind about that.

CHAPTER 2

✦

A QUICK OUTING AND IRRITATED MENTOR

Right, right, Dras, first I need to know what you need." It took me a few moments to put all my thoughts together, then into words.

Well, help mostly. He seemed to think it was obvious.

Duh, what I mean is what specifically do you need? Are you trying to leave, get food, what?

Looking for information, and any info on where kingdom’s army is.

Well, the army is gone, Dras; the kingdom is gone. Looks like the government has changed, at least here. Not sure what else there is to say about that. Where are you?

Shit, and I can’t say.

Yeah, so, new regime. What do you need now?

I don’t know.

I don’t either, Dras. If you want to surrender to the new soldiers, that’s probably easy enough, and you’ll be safe.

We’ll be safe? Alana, they invaded the capital. They took the city! Do you know how many people died?

I do, and I also know that no more need to perish. You could also go to the temple district and stay there for the time being, but you’d have to swear not to get involved in the fighting anymore, and they’d hold you to it. That’s what I did with Kala. I’m sorry that I couldn’t bring you along on that, but there was no time. A lot of things happened. I opted for the moment not to tell him that my family was with the new owners of this city, mostly because I was afraid of how he’d react.

I knew that Dras would eventually learn about my family, but there was no need to rush that. I hoped that he would forgive me, but first I needed him, and whoever he was with, to be safe. Was that a bit hypocritical? Yes. I was not going to force him or trick him too much though.

I don’t suppose you could help us get there? Dras asked on the other end.

How many of you are there?

Fifteen.

Dras, I can’t make that many people invisible, and I don’t know the undercity as well as you do. I’m afraid that I am not too much help here. I also did promise not to get involved in the fighting anymore for now. I doubt the temples will look kindly on me helping you that way.

Can you at least let people know we’re coming? I’d rather not show up unexpected.

That I can do.

It was decidedly something I wasn’t supposed to be doing, but I took a bit of time after lunch the following day to write a note explaining to my dad that I was fine and would be back shortly. Hopefully, he wouldn’t find it while I was out. I was more than tired of his overprotectiveness and decided to do what every decent bard would have and go for a bit of a break.

As I was setting up all the spells I would need for this, I wondered briefly if the propensity for making a break for it was from being a bard, or if that propensity is what made you a bard. It really did seem to be a running theme among the lot of us, and there had to be something more to it. I’d also noticed that all the priests tended to fall into the same basic mold, same with wizards. Someone surely had asked these questions before, and I’d have to look up the prevailing theories if and when I ever got back to school.

I opened my door a few minutes later and began a brief discussion with the guard. It was mostly on the timetable for my family getting home, which I knew he didn’t have, and requesting that dinner be pushed back just a bit, so I’d have more time to get back to my room. I walked down the hall as my illusion finished up, closing the door with a simple movement spell.

Once I was well out of the vicinity of my room, I dropped the invisibility. They certainly had some form of defense against that, and I was known to at least some of the people here. It might be hard to come up with an explanation if any were too curious about what I was doing, but that seemed unlikely as long as I kept my head up and looked like I was going where I was supposed to be.

Of course, I ran into a small snag. A man whom I didn’t really recognize stopped me in the hall.

Hey, you’re the girl General Verren sent us after. Alana, right?

Yes, sir, did you need something? I smiled lightly and looked him straight on.

Yeah, he told us who you were a couple of days ago. Don’t worry. We’ll keep it secret. That said, me and the boys were wondering how you managed to keep casting after the silence spell?

Oh, you don’t have to make noise to cast, just perform. As soon as you hit me with that spell, I started dancing.

Dancing? I’ve heard of elves doing some dance magic, but that’s an odd one.

Yeah, they taught us Atali Dance. Our professor talked about the basics a few times. I was also nearly done with the spell.

Regardless, you caught us all right off guard on that one. Mind running us through some of the info on it later?

Not at all, just send a letter to the general or Mystien. I almost asked him to send it to me, but if he did that too soon, it would cause issues. Better to punt the problem on to Dad.

Thanks, see you later.

Once I was past him, it was a straight shot to the exit. In pretty much every place I’d ever been on either world, public buildings like this seemed to follow the same design: labyrinthine back areas, which I only knew because of a few outings; numbered doors; and big, open, obvious public doors.

Security was minimal since I was leaving, not coming in, another oversight on somebody’s part that I was not going to complain about. Those coming in were thoroughly checked and identified. There was no chance of me entering as easily as I was leaving, but I’d burn that bridge when I came to it.

The streets were, unfortunately, packed to the brim with snow. I’d been inside so much I hadn’t even thought about it being winter right now. The main roads had at least been cleared, and a spell kept me from getting warm. I did stick out a bit in my sit around the house outfit, as I’d neglected any of the thicker clothes or shawls that most women were wearing right now. There was also almost nobody around, which didn’t help either.

About halfway there, I heard a crunch of snow beside me. Turning around, I saw Charles, who seemed to be just about everywhere in the lower city nowadays.

Hi. He was wearing a newer-looking outfit, a dark gray tunic and pants with matching cloak.

Hi, Charles, did you need something?

Is everything okay? I got the feeling you were being kept like a caged bird there.

I broke out. Don’t tell anyone. I made a shh motion with my finger, which got a smile.

I see. Mind if I join you? The old man asked me to keep an eye out.

Sure, I’m just going down to the temple district for a bit though.

Not planning on running away then? He asked as we began walking again.

Nah, just going for a walk. Dad means well, but he can be suffocating sometimes.

That I understand. When I first got back, my mom hardly let me out of her sight for a while. He had the same calm, quiet voice, but this had to be the most words I’d ever heard him speak.

What did you do? Perhaps he had some advice to help with my own problems.

I made it clear that I could take care of myself and that she needed to stop.

You make it sound so simple.

It is simple, but simple isn’t always easy.

I spent some time going over that last statement in my mind. I kind of understood why Dad was being the way he was, but clearly needed to put my foot down. I’d lived on my own for several years and just putting me in a room was not going to work for long. He’d know that I’d left when I came back, so hopefully that would put an end to this house arrest.

Soon enough, we made it to the entrance of the temple district, and while I wanted to go in, I was now very connected to one of the forces in this city. I could enter, of course, but I felt that it would send a bit of a mixed message, and I doubted Charles would be able to follow. He seemed to be staying out of the fighting, but that didn’t mean that he didn’t prefer one side.

Once there, letting them know that a group of fifteen was coming, and likely had multiple casters, was trivial. I also asked for a note to be sent to Kala telling her to use the thing I gave her (specifically unspecific) if and when she got time. We could at least have phone calls if I wasn’t going to be seeing her.

On our way back, Kala came on the radio.

Hey, didn’t you say not to use these around people?

It’s probably fine, and if it isn’t, you can heal any damage it does. She laughed, and from there we chatted until another voice joined the call.

How does this thing … wait, I hear someone. Alana, is that you?

"Mystien? Where did you get an earpiece?"

Lucien gave me his, obviously. The better questions are who are you talking to and why did you neglect to tell me about these?

Hi, I’m Kala.

Um … one second. I put a silence bubble over the receiver and looked at Charles. Didn’t you have Lucien’s earpiece?

I gave it back after we found you.

Great. He smiled at my obvious sarcasm.

Um, well, Mystien, it slipped my mind.

Oh, is that so? Well, we need to have a chat. I’ll be up there to see you in a moment.

Up where?

Your room, obviously. At this point, I noticed that Kala had decided to sit this one out, probably for the best.

Oh … I’m not there right now …

Alana, where are you? I could feel the displeasure through the very sound of his voice.

I … went for a walk.

A walk? You went for a walk?

Yup. Wanted to deliver a message personally …

Hey, Alana, we’re nearly there. Is everything good? Dras could not have possibly had worse timing.

I could hear the sigh from the other end. Why, hello there, newcomer, nearly where?

The temple district … Dras seemed to hesitate as he, too, was picking up on the frustration.

Alana.

Yes, Mystien?

How many of these exactly did you make?

Four.

Are you sure?

Yup.

Good, come back immediately. We need to have a talk.

After that declaration, the conversation between everyone died. Dras seemed to smartly decide that he should shut up and be quiet. Kala grasped the same situation earlier, and both said goodbye quickly, which I guessed meant they took out their earpieces. I did the same only a few moments later, if for no other reason than not wanting to get into any more trouble.

You know, Charles, I’m reconsidering running away, I said to my quiet companion.

I’d rather you not. That seemed sincere and caused me to look at him briefly. Honestly, I’d been a really terrible friend to him over the years. I should change that.

Fine then, I’ll go back. I think Mystien is going to skin me though.

He quirked an eyebrow but said nothing. I was a bit surprised when he followed me all the way to the headquarters, even more so, when the guards there recognized him. He had to go through checks, but so did I. They were also expecting me and were even so generous as to send an escort along to make sure I made it back to my room with no chance of getting lost. How helpful!

CHAPTER 3

✦

ANGRY GUARDIANS AND MY TUTOR

Iwas hesitant to return to my room actually; getting chewed out was never fun. When we arrived, I just opened the door. The guard looked at me with a frown, as I imagine he’d been told off as well.

My former teacher had a look of near rage on his face. Alana, why did you leave without telling anyone? He didn’t even comment on Charles, who’d followed me in.

Because you would have stopped me or asked questions that I didn’t care to answer.

Well … at least you’re truthful. Do you know why we were keeping you here?

Because my dad is insane and overprotective? I’ve lived on my own for years now. I hardly need someone looking after me every moment.

He got up and flicked me in the head, then set up a silence bubble around the two of us. His was not as complete feeling as mine, but it did feature a shade that prevented anyone from seeing us. I noticed that he’d even set it so that Charles was just outside.

Alana, you are still dense, and it might get you killed. You are a military asset to whatever side you’re on.

I’m a sixteen-year-old girl who isn’t even fully trained.

Who taught me something about water I didn’t know. That increase in power alone allowed us to sweep away a number of forces that would have otherwise posed a much larger issue. Now, you have instantaneous communication over distance. Do you have any clue how valuable these little items you made are? What if I gave them to generals in different regions and we coordinated like that? That is only one small thing you could do with them.

I don’t think they’ll work over more than about a city or so of distance … I haven’t checked, but I’m pretty sure that they can’t use them to communicate that far. And it’s not quite instant.

"That is absolutely beyond the point! I don’t think that our enemies have found out about you yet, but if they do, you are in real danger! Good grief, just think for a second. You are the child of a general in a city that was invaded less than a season ago! That alone makes you a target."

I’m DENSE? Mystien, I’ve lived on my own for YEARS! If you expect me to stay locked in a room because you think it’s best, you’ve lost your mind! You say that I’m capable and then treat me like a glass ornament that will break. I won’t! I can take care of myself, and I can decide who I need to trust with important things. As for those communicators, I only gave them to people who I knew were safe. I haven’t even told anyone else about the water thing, or any of the other stuff I’ve been working on— except you with the whole pi bit.

He sat down and buried his face in his hands. Alana, this is dangerous. Obviously, we won’t keep you here forever, but you do need to be more careful. At the very least, don’t go running off alone out into the city where we can’t help if things go wrong for now. If you get hurt or killed …

I don’t really have much of anywhere to go, except the temple district, and even then, they’re busy. And it’s winter and basically sucks outside. That said, I need to be trusted to take care of myself, to move about when I feel like it, and get rid of the damn guard outside of my door. I think I’ve demonstrated just how useful that is.

Fine, I’ll speak to your father tonight. Will you remain in place until then?

All right. But tell him that if he thinks he can lock me in my room forever, he’s lost his mind too. I pouted a bit, feeling like this wasn’t a complete win.

Good, now, before we have any more surprises, kindly tell me what you’ve been working on. The things you left out, too, please. If I know, I can possibly obscure their source, or at the least tell you how much you absolutely can’t tell anyone about them.

Um, so I learned some things about sky-metal.

The mythical, non-real substance that mages of the past claimed to have? he asked with the I-wouldn’t-believe-anything-you-said-if-you-weren’t-someone-who-gave-me-crazy-things look.

"Oh, it’s super real. Want to